Once you’ve browsed some inspiration shots of area rugs, look to the size and shape of your room as a starting point. Would rectangular, square or round work best in your space?
Then start to think about the colours and patterns you’re drawn to. An area rug can be a perfect starting point for the rest of a room’s décor.
If your furniture arrangement will be entirely on the rug, leave at least 6 inches of rug around the periphery. This arrangement is best for an open-concept space or any grouping of furniture that isn’t against a wall. In large living rooms, you can use two rugs to define two separate seating areas.
If you prefer the look of a rug slightly smaller than your furniture arrangement, choose a size that extends under the front set of legs on the sofas and chairs. This setup works well if your sofa is against a wall. Choose a size that allows for the front legs on every sofa and chair to be on the rug, while still leaving room to walk around the coffee table.
For smaller living rooms, a rug under the coffee table can play off the room’s scale and make it feel larger. Choose a rug size based on the interior dimensions of the furniture grouping and not the coffee table itself. Usually 5’ x 8’ or 4’ x 6’ rugs work well under coffee tables. Try to fill up as much negative space as possible without going under the front legs of the furniture. Use the shape of your coffee table as a guide, too — a rectangular rug for a rectangular coffee table or a round rug for a round coffee table.
Measure the length and width of your table, then add at least 4 feet to each. This should allow at least 2 feet for chairs to be pulled out without sliding off the rug. Don’t forget to allow for extendable leaves, if your table has them.
Use a rug to define a dining area in a large eat-in kitchen. An 8’ x 10’ rug is often large enough for a small table and chairs. Still allow for 2 feet around the periphery for chairs to be pulled out without sliding off the rug.
Choose a rug based on the shape of your dining table (round, oval, square or rectangular), but still go with a size large enough to keep chair legs from being pulled out onto the floor.
Use your bed as the focal point for rug placement. If you like the look of a large rug, choose one that covers the area of the bed and its accompanying furniture pieces like nightstands and benches, but does not include furniture along the walls like dressers.
If you prefer a smaller rug, place it under two-thirds of the bed, leaving the nightstands off the rug. You should still allow for at least 18 inches of rug on either side and foot of the bed. Generally, an 8’ x 10’ rug is good for a queen-sized bed, and a 9’ x 12’ rug is best for a king.
Two runners fit nicely on either side of a bed against a single wall. Choose a size that isn’t longer than the bed and is a bit wider than the nightstands. You can place the front legs of your nightstands on the rug, or leave them off entirely. If your bed is tucked into a corner, opt for a single runner on one side.]]>
The terms "CARPET" and "RUG" are sometimes used interchangeably. Rug generally means a textile floor covering that is not fastened down and that does not extend over the entire floor. Carpet usually refers to a floor covering that is installed and fastened down from wall to wall. Rug fibres would include these fibres and many others.
Wool is the classic choice for floor covering material. Wool has been used for carpet making since ancient times. It will last throughout the years. Its superior properties assure quality, function and design. Wool is an animal fiber taken from the hair of the sheep. These protein fibers have characteristics that make wool the premium classic floor covering material. Today, wool used for carpet making comes from sheep in countries like New Zealand, Argentina and the United Kingdom.
DuPont first introduced nylon in 1938, since then; nylon has been developed further and improved. Nylon is a petrochemical synthetic fiber made from carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen. Today's greatly improved 'treated nylon fibers' are sometimes referred to as 'sixth generation'. This started the era of modern synthetic fibers for apparel, industrial applications and tufted carpet. Nylon has good resilience, soil resistance, abrasion retention, durability, and color retention. With issues such as soiling and cleaning, nylon performs very well and is resistant to staining if it receives a stain-resistant treatment. This enable enhanced removal of soil and most common household food and beverage stains through professional cleaning.
Was first introduced into the carpet industry from Italy in the late 1950's. Offers good stain and moisture resistance. Proven performance features, unique aesthetics and exceptional value for both residential and commercial carpeting. These yarns are offered in a range of deniers, which are twisted and heat set. Polypropylene is the fastest growing carpet fiber in popularity. It is naturally stain and fade resistant.
TENCEL® is a natural, man made fiber derived from wood pulp (Eucalyptus) sourced from sustainable tree farms. Tencel® textiles are created through the use of cutting edge green technology with a minimal impact on the environment.
Different fibers can be mixed to create carpets with various qualities in performance and style. A popular blend is the 80% wool and 20% nylon for strength and stain resistance. More modern blends combine polyester with nylon, as well as various acrylic blends.
Sisal's textured look is a favorite of interior designers. Sisal is a natural fiber derived from the 'agave sisalana' cactus plant. Sisal grows in semi-arid regions. The largest producers of sisal are located in northeast Brazil and Africa. Sisal fibers (which can be up to three feet long) are harvested by hand from the leaves of the cactus plant. Sisal is not the same fiber as coir or jute. Sisal is stronger and more durable than other natural fibers. Sisal is therefore preferred for carpet and rugs. Living rooms, family rooms, entry halls, bedrooms, computer workstations, home offices, exercise rooms and covered patios.Natural fibers provide a massaging underfoot, which is preferred for rooms where you do not sit on the floor. Sisal should be used in a covered area protected from the elements. Natural fiber rugs are highly recommended for enclosed and screened porches. Do not expose to rainfall or allow to become water-saturated (i.e. sisal and seagrass are NOT for bathroom, sauna, Jacuzzi, uncovered patio deck, swimming pool or roof top patios).
Although traditionally used as carpet backing, is now being used for Jute area rugs and carpet. Jute is a long, shiny fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. The fibers are off-white to brown and 3 to 15 feet (0.9 to 4.5 meters) long. Jute fibers are composed primarily of the plant materials cellulose, lignin, and pectin. Jute is a rainy season crop that grows best in warm, humid climates. China, India, and Bangladesh rank as the top producers, where other than area rugs they are also woven into curtains, chair coverings, carpets, and burlap. Its soft texture makes Jute rugs a welcome choice for bedroom floors, but it is not a practical material for areas of heavy wear.
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